FC Barcelona Player Ratings from a disappointing draw to Mallorca

Defenders

João Cancelo – 5

This was similar to his performance against Celta, where he didn’t defend well, but apart from that, he didn’t do well in possession. He misplaced several passes and didn’t seem to be his usual in control self. Oh, and he didn’t score or get an assist either. He himself admitted his performance last game wasn’t good, but he made up for it then with the winning goal. In this one, though, he couldn’t make up for it. His and Balde’s advanced positions contribute to Romeu’s isolation whenever Barça are out of possession, making Romeu look bad as well.

Ronald Araújo – 6

Fell asleep a bit on Mallorca’s second goal and allowed Abdón space to tip it past ter Stegen. Really, that ball should’ve been dispatched quickly, but the Mallorca forward was more alert than either of the blaugrana players. Not a good game from him, based on his own standards. Mallorca were tremendously physical, even with him. His battles with Muriqi were very intense, and Araújo didn’t always end up winning those.

Iñigo Martínez – 6

There were some miscommunications defensively between Martínez and Balde, which is to be expected. They haven’t started together before this match, after all. But because of this, and his pairing with Araújo, he had a tough match. He seemed a bit lost, which was disheartening to see from an experienced player.

Balde – 7

Balde’s physical tools make him a nightmare for opposing defenders. In this one, he showed off his pace several times, being one of the only Barça players to bring some energy. Defensively though, and in the middle of the pitch transitioning from offense to defense, he wasn’t on point. For all of Balde’s potential, I still can’t help but feel he needs a bit more control and technical quality to really bring him to another level.

Koundé – 6

Came on in the 78th minute for Martínez. Not much to say about the Frenchman tonight. He was fine, and that was it. He did allow a Mallorca player position for a shot on goal, but he defended it well enough to force a weak shot that ter Stegen easily collected. In possession, nothing special.